Big Fletch Is Back!

Last updated : 22 January 2009 By Bournemouth Co-Ordinator

Having made a record number of appearances in a Bournemouth shirt, Steve Fletcher is set for a Dean Court return to face Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday (3pm ko).

After being released by Kevin Bond released the popular front man at the end of the 2007 season, Fletcher signed for Chesterfield, making 39 appearances in the 2007/08 season, which was followed by a move South to Conference side Crawley Town, making 4 starting appearances and 17 from the bench. Now Steve Fletcher is heading back to Dean Court to join in the challenge to keep the Cherries in League Two.

Speaking to the Bournemouth Evening Echo, Fletcher is quoted as saying: "As soon as I heard of Bournemouth's interest, of course it excited me and I would be lying if I said otherwise. It's been on my mind ever since. But I've focussed fully on the games I've had for Crawley because, first and foremost, I'm contracted to them. We've got a great manager and I've got a great rapport with the supporters. I like the club and everybody has been superb with me since I've been there. I think the club is going places. I'm more than happy at Crawley and there is no reason for me to want to leave. But the manager knows of my affinity to Bournemouth and has kept me informed of developments right from the start. With the greatest respect to all the other league clubs, he knows Bournemouth is the only club I would consider moving to. If any other club had shown an interest, both him and me would have taken it with a pinch of salt so I am grateful to him and Crawley for keeping me in the loop".

Once the move had been confirmed, Fletcher was quoted on BBC Radio Solent as saying: "The battle to stay up starts now. The manager at Crawley has been absolutely fantastic in letting me speak to Bournemouth, and helping the move come about. He knew how much the club and the town meant to me and my family. Don't get me wrong, I've had a fantastic time at Crawley, we've been going very well in the league, the people are great there. Of course I'll be excited to be back in the Bournemouth colours, but I'll feel a lot better if I can start with a win on Saturday. We've got to believe we can get out of the situation, and the nitty-gritty starts now. We've got to fight for every point".